What you’ll learn
Block the scene as foreground/midground/background, manage the bead, and glaze distant shapes lighter/cooler for depth.
Paper & brushes
- 100% cotton cold press; 1″ flat + round #8–12.
- Masking tape, board, two water jars, tissue.
Design & values
- Three values: light sky, middle mountains/trees, dark accents.
- Cooler/lighter as objects recede (atmospheric perspective).
Step-by-step
1
Map big shapes
Light pencil; no detail. Decide horizon and focal area.
2
Sky first
Graded wash; drop clouds while damp. Keep edges soft at distance.
3
Background
Cool, light washes with soft edges for far hills.
4
Midground
More saturation/contrast; vary edges and shapes.
5
Foreground accents
Darkest notes and textures last to pull the eye.
Tips
- Tilt board slightly and chase the bead for smooth skies.
- Reserve whites with the brush (or masking only if needed).
- Repeat colors across planes for harmony.
Troubleshooting
- Patchy skies: Brush too dry—reload and overlap strokes.
- No depth: Background not lighter/cooler—glaze a cool wash.
- Muddy greens: Overmixed—layer transparent mixes instead.